Formosa compensation to be spent on fishing logistics and aquatic ecosystem regeneration

Update:
May, 03/2019 - 08:56

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Fishermen in Quảng Trị Province have so far this year netted 3,000 tonnes, a year-on-year increase of nearly 56 per cent. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý

HÀ NỘI — The central provinces of Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị and Thừa Thiên-Huế will receive funding to carry out projects developing logistics for seafood and fishing industries as well as projects on aquatic ecosystem regeneration from now until the end of next year.

The funding is part of compensation paid by Taiwan-invested Hưng Nghiệp Formosa Hà Tĩnh Steel Co Ltd (Formosa) which caused a marine environmental incident with mass fish deaths in the four provinces in April, 2016.

The four provinces will develop projects improving logistics for seafood and fishing industries in the provinces including fishing ports, waterway dredging projects and other seafood production facilities.

Each province will get investment of up to VNĐ400 billion (US$17 million).

The Government will also allocate Quảng Bình and Thừa Thiên-Huế a maximum of VNĐ 340 billion ($14.6 million) to carry out two projects to restore and regenerate the aquatic ecosystem and marine resources.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc asked the Ministry of Investment and Planning to instruct and supervise the four provinces in developing and implementing the projects.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is asked to examine the projects in terms of project targets, sizes and schemes as well as consult the provinces in developing eligible projects.

Mass fish deaths were first reported on April 6, 2016 in Hà Tĩnh Province and then spread to neighbouring Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị and Thừa Thiên – Huế provinces.

About 100 tonnes of dead fish were found in the four provinces. This environmental incident caused serious losses in the maritime ecosystem and seafood resources, affecting about 510,000 people, according to the Government’s reports. The tourism industry of the coastal provinces was also badly affected.

In late June 2016, Formosa admitted responsibility for the incident and pledged to provide $500 million in compensation. — VNS